Blue Mountains City Council has secured funding to activate and beautify the Springwood commuter car park.
Works include a feature artwork on the outside of the car park, improvements to the stairwell, improved lighting throughout and ground level planting. This will reduce the incidence of graffiti in the area, while also helping to improve community safety.
The project is commencing with an Expression Of Interest (EOI) for feature artwork. The EOI, open until 24 May, encourages artists and artist collectives to propose a vibrant and eye-catching mural or public artwork design at one of two key sites at the car park.
The artworks will be highly visible to drivers entering Springwood town centre via the highway, as well as commuters and pedestrians using the car park and train station underpass to access Macquarie Street.
Artwork proposals should respond to the natural beauty or cultural diversity of the Blue Mountains region; reflect the unique identity of the Springwood Township or be contextually responsive to Ngurra (Country); Activate urban space in new ways; and welcome visitors and locals, as a prominent gateway to Springwood village.
Work on the artwork will begin in August/September this year.
Paul Brinkman, Manager of Arts & Cultural Services said: “The Springwood Commuter Carpark, with its utilitarian architecture, has always been a prime candidate for beautification.
“This project will not only celebrate the creativity of our talented local artist but also welcome visitors to our unique Blue Mountains community. Many people commute to work in the city each day and we hope that this mural project will provide a splash of inspiration for the outward journey and a comforting welcome home, becoming a much-loved identifier for the town centre of Springwood.”
Council previously identified the need for improvements in this area in the Springwood Masterplan. Graffiti and anti-social behaviour in the stairwell has increased the need for investment. By securing this money, it will assist with:
- Prevention of unacceptable graffiti in the stairwell and surrounds.
- Deter loitering and anti-social behaviour.
- Mitigate significant ongoing maintenance costs of this area.
- Provide the essential amenity through beautification that is inviting for the community to pass through and encourage the use of public transport.
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The Springwood Commuter Carpark – Public Art EOI closes Wednesday 24 May 2023, at 5pm.
The Graffiti Management Grant is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice.
Image credit: Helen Proctor painting Screechy Boi through the Gully in Springwood as part of Stomping Ground Festival 2022. Photo by Damien Milan.
